The heart of the wise inclines to the right,
but the heart of the fool to the left

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Christmas Gift List for Leaders Of Liberty

Christmas Gift List for Leaders Of Liberty

Christmas is coming, and you have people to give to. Some of those people are even politically oriented, with a penchant for the liberalism of the enlightenment.This list is for you, for them. I have personal experience with each item on this list, and not a bad apple in the bunch. (No, this is not the list for myself)Non-Fiction: The Road to Serfdom: Text and Documents--The Definitive Edition F. A. Hayek, a man under appreciated in economics and political theory. Sure to be loved.A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the WorldHow individuals trading across borders made life better and worse, and why the world is as rich as it is today on account of increased trade.Liberty Defined: 50 Essential Issues That Affect Our FreedomRon Paul, an man under appreciated in political theory and the Republican party. If you are like myself in 2008, you are unable to fathom why there are so many who love this man's principles so dearly. This book will help illuminate why. (Then when you finish with it, it makes a great Christmas gift for someone who is already oriented to liberty)On LibertyJohn Stuart Mill, a man possibly over appreciated in economics and in political academics. Nevertheless, this is a classic of the genre, a rational exposition of liberty which should be read at least once.The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles I to the ScaffoldLiberty and revolutions against tyranny are no mere american function. This is the story of John Cooke, a lawyer tasked by the revolution of 1649 to lead the prosecution of King Charles the I. It was the first time that a king would be tried in a court of law for Tyrannicide, the crime of killing those whom he was tasked by God to defend. It is also notable that John Cooke was a devout christian, and this story pulls no punches in acknowledging his faith, and the role of the christian faith in the establishment of the short lived English Republic.Generation KillEvan Wright, an embedded reporter with a US Marines Recon battalion in the first months of the Gulf War in 2003, unparalleled look into the faces on the ground. Not for children. To run a simile think Band of Brothers but for this generation.End the FedRon Paul again, with a book that will make any one interest in the expansion of liberty sit up and think.The ESV Study BibleThere is no man who has done more for the cause of the individual then Jesus Christ. This is the definitive book about him, and rife with notes and maps and cross references to help with study. I use this myself. Fiction: Atlas ShruggedAyn Rand, this is a book both fascinating and controversial. It will find a permanent place in a home, but is also not child friendly.Fahrenheit 451: A NovelIt is no secret that this book is adored by this blogger. Of all the prominent dystopian novels. Bradbury crafted the best, an onrushing torrent of wit and verve and wisdom packed inside of a story which has become cliche due to the numerous and frail derivatives of it we must deal with today.The Moon Is a Harsh MistressThe moon is communist. The moon wants freedom. The computer achieves intelligence. Let the revolution begin, and forget not: There is no such thing as a free lunch.Firefly - The Complete Series
"Firefly! I love Firefly!...Although that is one thing we will probably not let our kids watch until they are eighteen." - Jenny. Don't fret, its the best network TV series. Ever. Science Fiction and western and libertarian thought all rolled into one marvelously scripted bundle of joy.Other Goodies: Silver Dollar coins. this was given to me by my Oklahoma Uncle when I earned the Eagle Scout award, and it has been on a key ring ever since. Ironic that 6 years later I would be pining for a return to a metallic currency and a cessation of the fiat currency.Cold Steel GI Tanto Knife with Secure-Ex SheathBecause men who value liberty also value knives. This one is fun to hold, fun to use, fun to throw, durable and a great value.Leatherman 831206 Style? Cs Keychain Multi-ToolIt's not TSA compliant, and it sure is handy to have on a key ring. Jenny carries it everyday and is quite happy with it, particularly the scissors.Panasonic RPHJE120K In-Ear Headphone, BlackTo listen to Dvorak and MacMaster and these here listed podcasts.Podcasts: These are free. These have no commercials. These are informative. These will make you smarter if you listen. Do so while you have some free time this December.Econtalk Russ Roberts, professor or economics and a guest discuss a given topic for roughly an hour a week. Recently discussed are the topics of Healthcare, Economics Price Gouging, John Locke, Public Pensions, Geographic distribution of voting, Education and the Internet. All personally recommended.No AgendaCrackpot and Buzzkill, media assassins. No formal political training required, these are two men who have a conversation about the news, the media, and the smoke and mirrors we call the news. It's twice a week, roughly 2 hours each, and no commercials. Unique in that it is listener supported, enough so that it provides full time income for both me. No Agenda just passed the 5 year mark, and I have been a follower for that entire time. Recommended, but bear in mind it is considered PG-13.Hardcore HistoryThis man produces stellar historical narratives that can take 40 minutes to complete, or 5 2 hour shows. I have never once listened to an episode of Hardcore History over the past 4 years and felt like it was a waste of time. The common sentiment upon reaching the end of the show is: "WAIT!! DAN, THERE IS MORE TO COVER! DON'T STOP NOW!!"Dan Carlin doesn't stop, he just comes back with another episode worthy of your attention.The current series is on Genghis Khan and his conquests, other topics include the Fall of Rome, the Eastern front of WWII, and the effect of hysterical fear on the courses of history.